27 Photos Showing Chris Brown's Amazing Evolution

In October 2009, a young new singer--with killer dance moves--stepped on to our TVs in a fun, high energy music video for a single called "Run It." He called himself Chris Brown, and the public has been hooked on him ever since. Seven years later, Breezy is one of the most successful entertainers in the world. Let's take a look back at his earlier days, and his evolution into the man we know him as today. <p>
<p>Born in Tappahannock, Virginia on May 5, 1989, he taught himself to sing and dance from young, taking inspiration from Michael Jackson. He signed his first record deal at 15 years old, after his mom recognized his talents and became his manager.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library</span>
His first single "Run It!" featuring Juelz Santana, was released in 2005, and took the top spot on the charts! This made Breezy the third male artist ever to have his debut single at no. 1.
With the success of "Run It!" Chris gained a lot of fans quickly. Here he is at MTV's Total Request Live.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
Chris' self-titled debut album eventually sold over 2 million copies!
He showed his charitable side in 2005 at "S.O.S. (Saving OurSelves): The BET Relief Telethon" to benefit the victims of hurricane Katrina.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Getty Images</span>
Chris also gained popularity with other rappers like T-Pain and Akon. 2005 also marked the very beginning of his relationship with Rihanna.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: WireImage</span>
The spotlight was bright on Chris and Rihanna after they went very public with their relationship.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Getty Images</span>
In 2007, CB proved he was multi-talented with his first film role in "Stomp the Yard." The same year, he had another number 1 hit on his hands with "Kiss Kiss."
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Everett Collection</span>
Breezy kept the acting going in 2007 with a role in the comedy/drama film, "This Christmas."
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Everett Collection</span>
Even though Chris Rihanna seemed smitten with each other, on Grammy night in 2009, Chris famously beat up Rihanna after an argument had escalated. In court, he plead guilty to assault, and his sentence included probation, community service, and counseling.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Getty Images</span>
The end of 2009 brought on a comeback for Chris, with his album <i>Graffiti</i>, which featured his collab with Lil Wayne "I Can Transform Ya."
In August 2009, CB was sentenced to five years of probation and 1,400 hours of community service, avoiding jail time.
In May 2010, Breezy released a mixtape, featuring the songs "Ain't Thinking About You," and "Deuces." Both songs basically declared that he was done with Rihanna.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
During his performance, a Michael Jackson tribute, at the 2010 BET Awards, Breezy got emotional and fell to his knees in tears while singing "Man in the Mirror."
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: WireImage </span>
In 2011, CB was nominated for six BET Awards. He won five.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Getty Images </span>
In 2011, things got heated at ABC's "Good Morning America," when after an interview focused on Rihanna, he became angry during a commercial break, which resulted in him damaging a back stage window.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
His fourth album, <i>F.A.M.E.</i< came out in 2011, and debuted at No. 1.
Most notable on the album was "Look at Me Now" featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. The song was bicked by BET.com as "Best Song of 2011."
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: June 26, 2013/<a style="font-size: 9px;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gyLR4NfMiI" target="new"YouTube</a></span>
2011 also brought a new woman into Breezy's life. He began dating aspiring model Karrueche Tran. But over the next year, there were rumors swirling that he was rekindling his relationship with Rihanna.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Getty Images</span>
Chris performed twice at the 2012 Grammys, and took home an award for Best R&B Album!
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
CB received stirred up controversy around a new neck tattoo in September 2012. Many believed the new ink to resemble the face of a battered woman - Rihanna - but reps denied those reports. It was declared the tat was inspired by a Day of the Dead sugar skull.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;"> Photo: Getty Images </span>
By October 2012, the rumors were true and CB announced he broke up with Karrueche for Rihanna. He said "I didn't want to her hurt over my friendship with Rihanna."
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
After the break-up, CB released a video, "The Real Chris Brown." The video shows images of himself, Karrueche, Rihanna. He says, "Is there such thing as loving two people? I don't know if it's possible, but I feel like that."
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
After a brief rekindling after his breakup with Karreuche, Chris announced that he and Rihanna had ended their relationship again, too, in an interview in May 2013.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
Brown's sixth studio album, X, was released in September 2014.
In 2015, Chris found out that he was the father of a then 9-month-old baby girl. He instantly became a loving, devoted dad.
Later on in the year, his released his next album, name after his daughter, Royalty.
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>
Today, May 5, 2016, his new single "Grass Ain't Greener" drops, as he celebrates his 27th birthday. He's also gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated documentary, "Welcome To My Life."
<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: Getty Images</span>